Threat fire simulation system

ABSTRACT

A threat fire simulation system ( 40 ) for simulating a projectile impacting a user ( 26 ) includes an electrical impulse element ( 44 ) configured for physical contact with the user ( 26 ). A controller ( 42 ) is in communication with the electrical impulse element ( 44 ). The controller ( 42 ) enables receipt of a signal ( 54 ) for activating electrical impulse element ( 44 ) to deliver a non-disabling electrical pulse ( 46 ) to the user ( 26 ). The electrical pulse ( 46 ) simulates an impact of the projectile on the user ( 26 ).

RELATED INVENTION

In addition, the present invention claims priority under 35 U.S.C.§119(e) to: “Simulated Shot-Back Training Device,” U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 60/633,080, filed 3 Dec. 2004, which isincorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field simulation systems foruse-of-force training. More specifically, the present invention relatesto the simulation of a projectile, such as a bullet, impacting atrainee.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Due to current world events, there is an urgent need for highlyeffective law enforcement, security, and military training. Traininginvolves practicing marksmanship skills with lethal and/or non-lethalweapons. Additionally, training involves the development ofdecision-making skills in situations that are stressful and potentiallydangerous. Indeed, perhaps the greatest challenges faced by a traineeare when to use force and how much force to use. If an officer isunprepared to make rapid decisions under the various threats he or shefaces, injury to the officer or citizens may result.

One training technique that has been in use for many years is theutilization of a simulation system to conduct training exercises.Simulation provides a cost effective means of teaching initial weaponhandling skills and some decision-making skills, and provides trainingin real-life situations in which live-fire may be undesirable due tosafety or other restrictions.

Simulation systems for such training have included devices to simulatethe threat posed by an offender discharging a shot toward, and possiblyimpacting, a trainee. One such device is known as a shoot-back cannon.The shoot-back cannon discharges nylon balls at high velocity toward thetrainee, with the nylon balls simulating bullets. Automatic targetingmethods have been employed for directing the shoot-back cannot towardthe trainee to reduce the instructor's burden of manually tracking andtargeting the trainee. Training exercises typically involve teaching thetrainee to seek cover.

One problem encountered with the shoot-back cannon is that due to thepresence of high velocity nylon ball projectiles, the trainee must wearsafety eye gear. The safety eye gear can have an adverse effect on theshooting accuracy of the trainee. Moreover, others in the area of theshoot-back cannon must also wear safety eye gear, generating bothadditional responsibility and liability for the training facility. Evenwith safety eye gear on, there is still the potential that the nylonball projectile could injure the trainee or others, or damage equipmentin the area. In addition, the nylon balls are a slipping hazard when onthe floor because they can behave like ball-bearings under the foot ofan individual.

In addition to problems associated with safety, the shoot-back cannoncould misfire or miss the intended target. When this happens, thetraining opportunity is lost. More critically, however, the trainee mayconsciously or subconsciously marginalize real-world threats.

Typically the nylon balls are reused in the shoot-back cannon.Consequently, time intensive collection of the nylon balls is required.Finally, the shoot-back cannon is a mechanical device prone tobreak-down and wear-and-tear over time, necessitating costly repairand/or replacement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an advantage of the present invention that a systemis provided for simulating a projectile impacting a user.

It is another advantage of the present invention that a system isprovided in which a user can distinctly detect a simulated impact of aprojectile.

Another advantage of the present invention is that a system is providedthat is readily incorporated into a simulation system, is costeffectively manufactured, and calls for minimal adjustment by aninstructor during a training exercise.

The above and other advantages of the present invention are carried outin one form by a system for simulating a projectile impacting a user.The system includes an electrical impulse element configured forphysical contact with the user. A controller is in communication withthe electrical impulse element for enabling receipt of a signal at theelectrical impulse element. The signal activates the electrical impulseelement to deliver a non-disabling electrical pulse to the user, theelectrical pulse simulating an impact of the projectile.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived byreferring to the detailed description and claims when considered inconnection with the Figures, wherein like reference numbers refer tosimilar items throughout the Figures, and:

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a simulation system in which the presentinvention may be implemented;

FIG. 2 shows an illustrative representation of a scene from aprerecorded video sequence, or scenario, that may be presented on ascreen of the simulation system;

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a threat fire system for simulating aprojectile impacting a user of the simulation system in accordance witha preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an electrical impulse element of thethreat fire system of FIG. 3 mounted on a user worn belt;

FIG. 5 shows a partial rear perspective view of the electrical impulseelement mounted on the user worn belt;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the electrical impulse element;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the electrical impulse element of thethreat fire system that attaches to the user via a clip in accordancewith an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows a screen shot image of a main window presented on a displayof an instructor console;

FIG. 9 shows a screen shot image of a pop up window revealing a passwordentry pane;

FIG. 10 shows a partial screen shot image of the main window with thethreat fire system prepared for operation; and

FIG. 11 shows a screen shot image of a drop down menu of that includes alist of default pain settings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention entails a system for simulating a threat firecondition that may be utilized within a simulation system foruse-of-force training. The simulation system is utilized to display ascenario, with the scenario including an offender holding a weapon. Theterm “threat fire” utilized herein refers to a situation within thepre-recorded scenario in which the offender discharges his or her weapontoward the trainee, i.e., the offender is a “threat” to the trainee'sperceived safety.

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a simulation system 20 in which thepresent invention may be implemented. Simulation system 20 includes asingle screen 22, in front of which one or more participants, i.e., atrainee 26, may be positioned. A rear projection system 28 is associatedwith screen 22. Trainee 26 views screen 22 with video projected thereonvia rear projection system 28, and must decide how to react to thesubject matter presented within the video. Rear projection system 28 isoperable, and the actions of trainee 26 may be monitored from, aninstructor console 30 located a distance away from trainee 26.

The present invention is described in the context of its use with asingle screen simulation system. It should be understood, however, thatthe specific simulation system is not a limitation of the presentinvention. Rather, the present invention may be readily implementedwithin a variety of existing and upcoming single screen and multiplescreen simulation systems.

FIG. 2 shows an illustrative representation of a scene 32 from aprerecorded video sequence, or scenario 34, that may be presented onscreen 22 of simulation system 20 (FIG. 1). Scene 32 shows an offender36 poised with a weapon 38 in hand. Trainee 26 (FIG. 1) must make adetermination as to whether a shot from weapon 38 is imminent, andwhether to shoot first or seek cover. For purposes of the followingdescription, offender 36 discharges weapon 38. Although an actualprojectile, or bullet, cannot discharge from weapon 38 of theprerecorded video of scenario 34, the present invention enables trainee26 to experience the sensation of an impact of the projectile, so as toreinforce good tactical decision making.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a threat fire system 40 for simulating aprojectile impacting trainee 26 in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention. Threat fire system 40 includes acontroller 42 operable from instructor console 30 and an electricalimpulse element 44 worn by trainee 26 (FIG. 1). Electrical impulseelement 44 is configured for physical contact with trainee 26 (FIG. 1),discussed below, and is configured to impart a non-disabling electricalpulse 46 to trainee 26. The term “non-disabling” utilized herein refersto a condition in which trainee 26 can feel pulse 46 as a sensation ofmild or more severe pain. However, pulse 46 is not incapacitating, suchas the pulse delivered by a conventional stun gun. Electrical pulse 46simulates an impact of the simulated projectile fired from weapon 38(FIG. 2) by offender 36 (FIG. 1). Thus, electrical pulse 46 serves asnotification to trainee 26 that he or she has been “shot”.

In a preferred embodiment, instructor console 30 includes a first, orinstructor, transceiver 48 in communication with controller 42.Instructor transceiver 48 is in communication with electrical impulseelement 44 via a communication link 50. In a preferred embodiment,communication link 50 is a wireless link. However, a wired communicationlink may alternatively be employed. Controller 42 executes threat firecontrol code 52 which is operable by an instructor (not shown) via adata input 51, such as a keyboard, mouse, and the like, and is viewableby the instructor via a display 53. Threat fire control code 52 may be astand-alone program or may be incorporated into primary control code(not shown) for controlling the general operation of simulation system20 (FIG. 1). Through the execution of threat fire control code 52,controller 42 generates and conveys a signal, represented by a dashedarrow 54, to electrical impulse element 44. Signal 54 enables activationof electrical impulse element 44, discussed below, to delivernon-disabling electrical pulse 46 to trainee 26 via a pair of electrodes55.

Electrical impulse element 44, worn by trainee 26 (FIG. 1) includes asecond, or trainee, transceiver 56 for receiving signal 54 via wirelesscommunication link 50. A master microcontroller 58 is in communicationwith transceiver 56. Master microcontroller 58 is further incommunication with a slave microcontroller 60 via a link 62. Inaddition, master microcontroller 58 selectively communicates with animpulse generator 64 via a first power lead 66. Similarly, slavemicrocontroller 60 selectively communicates with impulse generator 64via a second power lead 68. Master microcontroller 58, slavemicrocontroller 60, and impulse generator 64 are powered by arechargeable battery 70.

Impulse generator 64 may be a conventional stunner circuit capable ofproducing a 20,000 to 150,000 volt pulse, or shock. The internal circuitof a conventional stunner circuit is typically based either on anoscillator, resonant circuit and step-up transformer or diode-capacityvoltage multipliers to achieve a continuous, direct or alternatinghigh-voltage discharge.

Such stunner weapons may be utilized in law enforcement environments forsubduing a person by administering a high-voltage, but low-currentelectrical shock. An electrical shock of sufficient duration provided bythe stunner weapon “confuses” the human nervous system, thusincapacitating an individual. The high voltage is needed to transfer theelectrical charge to the individual's body, and the current is kept lowso that the individual will not be severely injured.

In the training environment of simulation system 20, impulse generator64 does not produce the incapacitating shock of a conventional stunnerweapon. Rather, a high voltage electrical pulse 46 is produced for avery brief duration, discussed below. The high voltage of electricalpulse 46 is critical so that pulse 46 may be felt through the clothingof trainee 26. However, the short duration mitigates the potential forincapacitating trainee 26 (FIG. 1).

Safety interlocks are important for the safe training application ofsystem 40. Such safety interlocks can include watchdog processors thatmonitor for any component failure. If the watchdog processors detect afailure or problem, impulse generator 64 cannot be activated.

Threat fire system 40 includes a duration timer 72 managed by mastermicrocontroller 58 for monitoring a duration of activation ofnon-disabling electrical pulse 46, i.e., a delivery duration. Undernormal operating conditions, delivery of pulse 46 is discontinued uponexpiration of the delivery duration, as monitored at duration timer 72.Threat fire system 40 further includes a secondary exposure limit timer74 managed by slave microcontroller 60. Exposure limit timer 74 ensuresthat the duration does not exceed a pre-programmed value, for exampletwo and one half seconds. Should delivery of pulse 46 not bediscontinued upon expiration of the delivery duration, as monitored atduration timer 72, delivery of pulse 46 will be discontinued when theduration reaches the pre-preprogrammed value, monitored at exposurelimit timer 74. Thus, the dual timer capability of duration timer 72 andexposure limit timer 74 provides another safety interlock for limitinginjury to trainee 26 (FIG. 1).

In addition, system 40 includes an interval timer 76 managed by mastermicrocontroller 58. Interval timer 76 is utilized for controlling aninterval between delivery of successive electrical pulses 46. Throughthe utilization of interval timer 76, electrical impulse element 44 willnot reactivate for a set period after impulse generator 64 was lastactivated. Interval timer 76 may be set to, for example, fifteenseconds. Consequently, interval timer 76 provides yet another safetyinterlock for limiting injury to trainee 26.

In general operation, signal 54, in the form of a serial digitalmessage, is sent from controller 42 over wireless communication link 50via instructor transceiver 48. Ideally, the generation of signal 54 iscoordinated with actions unfolding in scenario 34. For example, signal54 may be automatically generated by controller 42 in response to anaction in which offender 36 (FIG. 2) discharges weapon 38 (FIG. 2) whena period of time has elapsed and trainee 26 has not yet appropriatelyreacted to the situation. Alternatively, the instructor can “manually”activate electrical impulse element 44 from instructor console 30 (FIG.3) via a program control window displayed on display 53 when offender 36discharges weapon 38 and trainee 26 has not yet seeked cover.

Signal 54 is received at trainee transceiver 56, is decoded, and isforwarded to master microcontroller 58. Signal 54 includes an identifierspecifying electrical impulse element 44, a “pain setting” in the formof a delivery duration for non-disabling electrical pulse 46, and aCHECKSUM.

Master microcontroller 58 performs a validity check of signal 54 usingCHECKSUM to determine whether errors occurred in transmission of signal54 over wireless link 52. Master microcontroller 58 furtherauthenticates the identifier specifying electrical impulse element 44and determines whether the transmitted delivery duration is a logicalvalue. If signal 54 is invalid, master microcontroller 58 ignores signal54 and nothing happens.

However, if signal 54 is valid, master microcontroller 58 returns anacknowledge signal to controller 42 via wireless communication link 50.Master microcontroller 58 then applies power to first power lead 66 andcommands slave microcontroller 60 via link 62 to apply power to secondpower lead 68. In addition, master microcontroller 58 starts durationtimer 72 and starts interval timer 76.

In response to commanding from master microcontroller 58, slavemicrocontroller 60 returns an acknowledge signal to mastermicrocontroller 58 via link 62, applies power to second power lead 68,and starts secondary exposure limit timer 74.

Power applied to first and second power leads 66 and 68, respectively,enables activation of impulse generator 64 to produce and delivernon-disabling electrical impulse 46 at pair of electrodes 55. Mastermicrocontroller 58 commands slave microcontroller 60 to remove powerfrom second power lead 68 when duration timer 72 expires to discontinuedelivery of non-disabling electrical pulse 46. If slave microcontroller60 fails to receive appropriate commanding within the pre-programmedvalue monitored by exposure limit timer 74, slave microcontroller 60removes power from second power lead 68 to impose a forceddiscontinuation of the delivery of electrical pulse 46.

Although threat fire system 40 is shown as having only one electricalimpulse element 44, it should be understood that controller 42 cancontrol a number of individual electrical impulse elements 44. Thesemultiple electrical impulse elements 44 can be physically coupled atvarious locations on trainee 26. For example, one of elements 44 couldbe coupled to the primary shooting arm of trainee 26. As such, shouldelement 44 become activated, trainee 26 may be compelled to utilize hisor her non-dominant arm. Alternatively, these multiple electricalimpulse elements 44 can be physically coupled to multiple trainees 26concurrently training in simulation system 20 (FIG. 1).

Referring to FIGS. 4-6, FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of electricalimpulse element 44 of threat fire system 40 (FIG. 3) mounted on a userworn belt 78. FIG. 5 shows a partial rear perspective view of theelectrical impulse element 44 mounted on user worn belt 78, and FIG. 6shows a perspective view of the electrical impulse element 44.

The elements of electrical impulse element 44 are contained in a housing80, which is in turn coupled to belt 78. Belt 78 provides means forsecuring electrical impulse element 44 to trainee 26 (FIG. 1). Pair ofelectrodes 55 are imbedded in a user facing side 82 of belt 78 so thatelectrodes 55 can be placed in physical contact with trainee 26.Although electrodes 55 are in physical contact with trainee 26,electrodes 55 need not contact the trainee's skin. For example,electrodes 55 may include thin wires sewn into user facing side of belt78 for ensuring that non-disabling electrical pulse 46 is felt bytrainee 26 through the clothing of trainee 26.

Non-disabling electrical pulse 46 (FIG. 3) from electrodes 55 is capableof penetrating four or more layers of clothing (approximately one halfinch of thickness), so that belt 78 can be conveniently placed on top oftrainee clothing. Although belt 78 is shown with only one electricalimpulse element 44 mounted thereon, belt 44 might include two elements44 such that one is positioned in front of trainee 26 and one ispositioned in the back.

Once belt 78 is secured with electrodes 55 in contact with trainee 26,electrical impulse element can be turned “on” via a pushbutton 84located on an external surface of housing 80. In addition to pushbutton84, housing 80 includes a charging port 86 for recharging battery 70(FIG. 3) and a number of indicator lights 88. In an alternativeembodiment, port 86 may be absent. In such a case, electrical impulseelement 44 may be recharged via an inductive charge technique or mayinclude non-rechargeable batteries. Indicator lights 88 include, forexample, a “CHARGING” light that when blinking indicates that element 44is charging and a “LOW BATTERY” light that when lit indicates that it'stime to recharge element 44. Indicator lights can also include a “FAULT”light that when lit indicates a component failure within element 44, a“NO COMM” light that when lit indicates that there is no communicationlink between element 44 and controller 42 (FIG. 3), a “COMM” light thatwhen lit that a communication link is present between element 44 andcontroller 42, and a “POWER” light that when lit indicates that power iscurrently on.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of electrical impulse element 44 ofthreat fire system 40 (FIG. 3) that attaches to trainee 26 (FIG. 1) viaa clip 90 in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention. The elements of electrical impulse element 44 are containedin a housing 92, to which clip 90 is coupled. Clip 90 may be aconventional spring clip that provides means for securing electricalimpulse element 44 to trainee 26 (FIG. 1). Pair of electrodes 55 may beimbedded in a user facing side 94 of clip 92 so that electrodes 55 canbe placed in contact with trainee 26.

Multiple housings 92 may be secured to trainee 26 via clips 90 atvarious locations, such as in the front, back, and on each bicep. Inthis manner, the instructor could activate controller 42 to enablereceipt of signal 50 (FIG. 3) at any of electrical impulse elements 44contained in housings 92, thus simulating shots impacting at variouslocations on trainee 26.

FIG. 8 shows a screen shot image 96 of a main window 98 presented ondisplay 51 (FIG. 3) of instructor console 30 (FIG. 3). Main window 98 isthe primary opening view when a “threat fire control command” isselected on a main menu of the primary control code that controls thegeneral operation of simulation system 20 (FIG. 1). Main window 98includes a pain settings window 100 and a number of user fields,referred to as buttons, for determining the behavior of electricalimpulse element 44 (FIG. 3).

Main window 98 opens with threat fire system 40 (FIG. 3) disarmed, asindicated by a current status indicator 102. Interactive buttons withinmain window can include an “arm” button 104 and a “disarm” button 106.To arm threat fire system 40, the instructor clicks on arm button 104.In response a pop up window of a password entry pane will be revealed.

FIG. 9 shows a screen shot image 108 of an exemplary pop up window 110revealing a password entry pane 112. Per conventional procedures, theinstructor is asked for an authorization password. After the instructorenters the authorization password and clicks “OK” in password entry pane112, threat fire system 40 is armed.

FIG. 10 shows a partial screen shot image 114 of main window 98 withthreat fire system 40 prepared for operation. Once armed, current statusindicator 102 switches from “disarmed”, as in FIG. 8 to “armed” as inFIG. 10.

Referring back to FIG. 8, once threat fire system 40 is armed,controller 42 will connect via wireless communication link 50 (FIG. 3)to one or more available electrical impulse elements 44 (FIG. 3), andthe individual controls for each of elements 44 will be enabled asappropriate.

In the exemplary illustration of FIG. 8, controller 42 can be enabled tocommunicate with up to twelve electrical impulse elements 44, that istwo elements 44 (FRONT and BACK) for each of six trainees 26, labeled1-6. FRONT indicates placement of one of electrical impulse elements 44on the front of trainee 26, and BACK indicates placement of one ofelectrical impulse elements 44 on the back of trainee 26.

In this exemplary illustration, the connection of controller 42 withelectrical impulse elements 44 is represented by outwardly radiatinglines 116 about a FRONT button 118 and a BACK button 120 for each of twotrainees 26, represented by the trainee identifiers “1” and “2” in mainwindow 98. Although radiating lines 116 are shown herein, in an actualdisplay, front button 118 and back button 120 may be normally coloredred, and their color switches to green to indicate connection ofcontroller 42 with particular impulse elements 44.

By utilizing pain settings window 100, the instructor can adjust painsettings for each of electrical impulse elements 44. The pain sensed bytrainee 26 subjected to non-disabling electrical pulse 46 (FIG. 3) isaffected by the delivery duration of pulse 46. A longer deliveryduration results in a sensation of greater pain. Conversely, a shorterdelivery duration of pulse 46 results in a sensation of less pain. In agroup training exercise, the delivery duration could be extended to agreater length, such as, the exposure limit monitored by exposure limittimer 74 (FIG. 3). This lengthened duration, although non-disabling, maybriefly put trainee 26 out of action, thereby simulating a situation inwhich trainee 26 is removed from combat.

Pain settings window 100 includes a duration select drop down menu 122,a duration readout field 124, and UP/DOWN buttons 126 to manually adjustthe pain setting. In addition, pain settings window 100 includes a “SET”button 128 and an “AUTHORIZE” button 130 to enable the settings tochange.

FIG. 11 shows a screen shot image 132 of drop down menu 122 thatincludes a list of default pain settings 134. A pain setting 134selected from drop down menu 122 is the number of seconds, or fractionsof a second, (i.e., a duration) that non-disabling electrical pulse 46(FIG. 3) will be delivered.

With reference back to FIG. 8, in general operation, the instructor mayinitially click on authorize button 130 to enter an authorization code(not shown). The instructor may then either change the pain settings toone of a number of default settings using drop down menu 122 or maymanually adjust the pain setting using UP/DOWN buttons 126. Once thepain settings are adjusted, the instructor may optionally click on setbutton 128 which disables adjustment of the pain settings. As such, thepain settings cannot be re-adjusted without first entering theauthorization code, again providing another safety interlock forprotecting trainee(s) 26 from injury.

To fire, or activate, any of electrical impulse elements 44, aninstructor can simply click any of the active front and back buttons 118and 120, indicated herein by outwardly radiating lines 116. This willfire a desired one of electrical impulse elements 44 at the desired oneof pain settings 134 and at the desired location.

If more than one trainee 26 is utilizing simulation system 20 (FIG. 1)to train concurrently within scenario 34 (FIG. 2), multiple elements 44can be activated concurrently using a link feature. For example,checking two or more of link check boxes 136 enables all of the selectedelements to fire when one of the front or back buttons 118 and 120,respectively, are clicked. For example, if link check boxes 136 arechecked for two trainees 26, represented by the trainee identifiers “1”and “2”, and front button 118 is clicked on trainee 26, represented by“2”, then both elements 44 associated with front button 118 for bothtrainees 26, represented by the trainee identifiers “1” and “2”, willactivate. Thus, non-disabling electrical pulse 46 (FIG. 3) will bedelivered to both trainees.

In the embodiment described above, controller 42 (FIG. 3) generates andtransmits signal 54 over communication link 50 to electrical impulseelement 44. Upon validation, signal 54 activates impulse generator 64(FIG. 3) of electrical impulse element 44 to deliver non-disablingelectrical pulse 46 (FIG. 3), pulse 46 simulating an impact of aprojectile from weapon 38 (FIG. 2) discharged by offender 36 (FIG. 2)within scenario 34 (FIG. 2).

In an alternative embodiment, electrical impulse element 44 mayinterface via a wired or wireless communication link with standardlaser-based training equipment, such as Multiple Integrated LaserEngagement System (MILES) and/or MILES 2000, currently used by theUnited States Armed Forces. A laser-based training system, such asMILES, provides tactical engagement simulation for direct fireforce-on-force training using eye safe laser “bullets”. When the presentinvention is employed in combination with MILES gear, controller 42(FIG. 3) may be employed to arm threat force system 40 (FIG. 3), thusenabling receipt of an activation signal at electrical impulse element44. However, the activation signal is actually generated and transmittedfrom the MILES gear.

For example, when the MILES gear registers a lethal hit, the MILES gearcould transmit an activation signal via a wired or wirelesscommunication link to electrical impulse element 44. This activationsignal could then trigger impulse generator 64 (FIG. 3) to delivernon-disabling electrical pulse 46 (FIG. 3). Sensation of pulse 46 cangive a trainee a more realistic sense and negative feedback of being“virtually” killed in action during training. A non-lethal shot could beset to trigger a very short pulse 46, whereas a “kill” could trigger amore pronounced pulse 46.

When electrical impulse element 44 is utilized in cooperation with MILESgear, pain settings 134 (FIG. 11) would not be adjustable by thetrainees in the field. In addition, if a soldier attempted to removeelement 44, element 44 could be set in a mode to activate a “dead”setting of the MILES gear, to deter tampering. Another option may be tohave element 44 equipped with a sensor that triggers when element 44 isremoved from the soldier, thereby letting element 44 register an eventof tampering. Conversely, such an element should include authorizationcapability for allowing an authorized individual to remove element 44from the soldier.

In summary, the present invention teaches of a0 threat fire system forsimulating a projectile impacting a user. The threat fire systemdelivers a non-disabling electrical pulse from an electrical impulseelement coupled to a trainee so that the trainee can distinctly detect asimulated impact of a projectile. The non-disabling electrical pulseprovides a more realistic sense and negative feedback of being “shot” inaction during a simulation training exercise. Since the electricalimpulse elements are coupled to the trainees, at no time does theinstructor need to take aim, thereby greatly simplifying theinstructor's burden during a training exercise. Moreover no actualprojectiles or laser projectiles are utilized for threat firesimulation, thereby reducing the potential for injury to the trainee.More than one electrical impulse element can be coupled at variouslocations on a single trainee and/or trainees to maximize the impact ofthe training experience. Furthermore, the threat fire system is readilyincorporated into a variety of single screen and multiple screensimulation system and its simplistic circuitry can be cost effectivelymanufactured.

Although the preferred embodiments of the invention have beenillustrated and described in detail, it will be readily apparent tothose skilled in the art that various modifications may be made thereinwithout departing from the spirit of the invention or from the scope ofthe appended claims.

1. A system for simulating a projectile impacting a user, said systemcomprising: an electrical impulse element configured for physicalcontact with said user; and a controller in communication with saidelectrical impulse element for enabling receipt of a signal at saidelectrical impulse element, said signal activating said electricalimpulse element to deliver a non-disabling electrical pulse to saiduser, said electrical pulse simulating an impact of said projectile. 2.A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said controller is remotelylocated from said electrical impulse element, and is operable by aninstructor.
 3. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said electricalimpulse element includes a receiver; and said controller includes atransmitter, and said signal is generated at and transmitted from saidcontroller to said electrical impulse element via a wirelesscommunication link between said receiver and said transmitter.
 4. Asystem as claimed in claim 3 wherein said electrical impulse elementfurther comprises: an impulse generator for generating saidnon-disabling electrical pulse; and a microcontroller interposed betweensaid receiver and said impulse generator, said microcontrollerperforming a validity check of said signal prior to enabling activationof said impulse generator.
 5. A system as claimed in claim 1 whereinsaid electrical impulse element is a first electrical impulse element,said signal is a first signal, and said system further comprises asecond electrical impulse element in communication with said controller,said controller enabling receipt of a second signal at said secondelectrical impulse element, said second signal activating said secondelectrical impulse element to deliver a second non-disabling electricalpulse, said second electrical pulse simulating an impact of a secondprojectile.
 6. A system as claimed in claim 5 further comprising meansfor linking an activation of said first and second electrical impulseelements to enable concurrent delivery of said first and secondnon-disabling electrical pulses.
 7. A system as claimed in claim 1wherein said electrical impulse element comprises: a housing containingan impulse generator for generating said non-disabling electrical pulse;and means, coupled to said housing, for securing said housing to saiduser.
 8. A system as claimed in claim 7 further comprising a pair ofelectrodes imbedded in a user facing side of said securing means, saidpair of electrodes being in electrical communication with said impulsegenerator for delivery of said non-disabling electrical pulse to saiduser.
 9. A system as claimed in claim 7 wherein said securing meanscomprises a belt for encircling a portion of said user.
 10. A system asclaimed in claim 7 wherein said securing means comprises a clip coupledto an outer surface of said housing for attachment to said user.
 11. Asystem as claimed in claim 1 further comprising means, in communicationwith said electrical impulse element, for adjusting a delivery durationof said non-disabling electrical pulse.
 12. A system as claimed in claim11 further comprising a duration timer in communication with saidelectrical impulse element for monitoring said delivery duration, saidelectrical impulse element discontinuing delivery of said electricalpulse upon expiration of said delivery duration.
 13. A system as claimedin 12 further comprising a secondary timer in communication with saidelectrical impulse element for monitoring an exposure limit, saidexposure limit being longer than said delivery duration such that whensaid electrical pulse remains activated following expiration of saiddelivery duration, said electrical impulse element imposes a forceddiscontinuation of said electrical pulse upon expiration of saidexposure limit.
 14. A system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising aninterval timer, in communication with said electrical impulse element,for controlling an interval between delivery of said electrical pulseand delivery of a second electrical pulse.
 15. A system as claimed inclaim 1 wherein said system is utilized within a simulation system thatincludes a screen displaying a scenario, said scenario including anoffender holding a weapon, and said system further comprises means forcoordinating delivery of said non-disabling electrical pulse with aninstance of said offender discharging said weapon.
 16. A system forsimulating a projectile impacting a user, said system comprising: anelectrical impulse element configured for physical contact with saiduser; a controller in communication with said electrical impulse elementfor enabling receipt of a signal at said electrical impulse element,said signal activating said electrical impulse element to deliver anon-disabling electrical pulse to said user, said electrical pulsesimulating an impact of said projectile; means, in communication withsaid electrical impulse element, for adjusting a delivery duration ofsaid non-disabling electrical pulse; and an interval timer, incommunication with said electrical impulse element, for controlling aninterval between delivery of said electrical pulse and delivery of asecond electrical pulse.
 17. A system as claimed in claim 16 furthercomprising a duration timer in communication with said electricalimpulse element for monitoring said delivery duration, said electricalimpulse element discontinuing delivery of said electrical pulse uponexpiration of said delivery duration.
 18. A device for simulating aprojectile impacting a user, said device comprising: a microcontrollerfor receiving a device activation signal; an impulse generator incommunication with said microcontroller for generating a non-disablingelectrical pulse in response to said device activation signal; and apair of electrodes configured for physical contact with said user, saidpair of electrodes being in electrical communication with said impulsegenerator for delivery of said non-disabling electrical pulse to saiduser, said electrical pulse simulating an impact of said projectile. 19.A device as claimed in claim 18 wherein said device further comprises areceiver in communication with said microcontroller for receiving saiddevice activation signal via a wireless communication link.
 20. A deviceas claimed in claim 18 wherein said device is utilized within asimulation system that includes a screen displaying a scenario, saidscenario including an offender holding a weapon, and said system furthercomprises means for coordinating delivery of said non-disablingelectrical pulse with an instance of said offender discharging saidweapon.